Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Terbs on 20 July 2012, 10:44:29

Title: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Terbs on 20 July 2012, 10:44:29
I expect you fellas know all about this, but I only found this out recently.
My Laguna estate has got the plastic/vinyl type bumpers and trim fitted. They have all faded to grey from black over the years. Despite using all the recovery products, after a couple of weeks they are grey again. :(
So I googled and found a link that shows if you apply heat with a heat gun, the bumpers change back to black. Something to do with molecular structure.
So I put the heat gun to use....and Bingo....absolutely brilliant.  That was six weeks ago and the bumpers and trim are like new :y :y :y

Sorry if this is 'old hat' but I was so impressed I had to put to print ;D
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: flyer 0712 on 20 July 2012, 11:13:42
Thats news to me matey i did not know that...cheers....just goes to show its worth putting things like that on here  :y
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: omega3000 on 20 July 2012, 14:34:44
Didnt know that either so top tip  :y...corsa plastics are bad for fading
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Terbs on 20 July 2012, 15:55:12
Hi fellas....

Here is the link I found.... :y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-dtbBzky-s
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 20 July 2012, 15:56:41
Didnt know that either so top tip  :y...corsa plastics are bad for fading


Yep. The Opti family also runs a Corsa 1.2 SXI. I use "Cherry Blossom Readywax"  on the skirts. It takes about twenty minutes to do the whole car, and lasts about ten washes before I need to do it again.

Cost 89p. :y
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: waspy on 20 July 2012, 16:18:35
Well that's just bloody fantastic 8) 8) :y :y Excellent info :) :)
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: cam2502 on 20 July 2012, 16:39:44
Wow! That works great. Wonder how much a garage or body shop would charge to "restore" your plastic bits? Job for the apprentice to do and they hit you for a small fortune no doubt.
Cynical hat now being returned to cupboard ;D
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Terbs on 20 July 2012, 16:48:45
Obviously, you have to be careful using heat around your paintwork.....but as I said earlier, its made my Laguna look like a new car....how long it will last, only time will tell. I wish I had taken some 'before and after' pics :(

Another link....  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ue-1_Jk2Y0&feature=fvwrel
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Big_Al on 20 July 2012, 17:05:49
nice one Tony :y

Will be valeting the old w reg corsa on Sunday getting it ready to sell , so will give it a go on the plastic .

Agree with earlier poster that Corsa's seem to suffer more than most with this faded plastic trim issue.

regards, Al :y
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Murph on 20 July 2012, 17:57:46
I always use boiled linseed oil on my black trims.
They only need doing a couple of times a year and come up very well.
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: jonnyboyws6 on 20 July 2012, 18:02:04
Ssssshhhh! The heat gun trick is a trade secret, don't tell everyone!!!
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: omega3000 on 20 July 2012, 18:06:37
Everyone outside with the heat guns this weekend ... secrets out  :P ;D
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: jonnyboyws6 on 20 July 2012, 18:13:29
Just beware that the heat gun you are using was designed to take paint off...

Also, too much heat will melt the plastic, or soften the adhesive that holds the trims on.

But yes it works a treat and lasts for ages
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 20 July 2012, 19:22:23
I use this for clit :y
 
it keeps nearly a year under our sun..
http://www.google.com.tr/imgres?q=arexons+bumper+restorer&um=1&hl=tr&sa=N&tbm=isch&tbnid=XFn0JHlU8NAg-M:&imgrefurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/gr/products.php%3Faction%3Dview%26cat%3D28%26id%3D9&docid=R5hEEu5iZJyIdM&imgurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/photos/products/9_7070%252520BUMPER%252520RESTORER.jpg&w=600&h=1050&ei=laEJULmdLqqN0wWHruHICg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=175&vpy=57&dur=78&hovh=297&hovw=170&tx=89&ty=167&sig=105317347318019298747&page=1&tbnh=148&tbnw=84&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:69&biw=1271&bih=667 (http://www.google.com.tr/imgres?q=arexons+bumper+restorer&um=1&hl=tr&sa=N&tbm=isch&tbnid=XFn0JHlU8NAg-M:&imgrefurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/gr/products.php%3Faction%3Dview%26cat%3D28%26id%3D9&docid=R5hEEu5iZJyIdM&imgurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/photos/products/9_7070%252520BUMPER%252520RESTORER.jpg&w=600&h=1050&ei=laEJULmdLqqN0wWHruHICg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=175&vpy=57&dur=78&hovh=297&hovw=170&tx=89&ty=167&sig=105317347318019298747&page=1&tbnh=148&tbnw=84&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:69&biw=1271&bih=667)
 
ps: use plastic gloves or the next day you will go job with black hands ;D
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Terbs on 20 July 2012, 19:35:47
I use this for clit :y
 
it keeps nearly a year under our sun..
http://www.google.com.tr/imgres?q=arexons+bumper+restorer&um=1&hl=tr&sa=N&tbm=isch&tbnid=XFn0JHlU8NAg-M:&imgrefurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/gr/products.php%3Faction%3Dview%26cat%3D28%26id%3D9&docid=R5hEEu5iZJyIdM&imgurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/photos/products/9_7070%252520BUMPER%252520RESTORER.jpg&w=600&h=1050&ei=laEJULmdLqqN0wWHruHICg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=175&vpy=57&dur=78&hovh=297&hovw=170&tx=89&ty=167&sig=105317347318019298747&page=1&tbnh=148&tbnw=84&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:69&biw=1271&bih=667 (http://www.google.com.tr/imgres?q=arexons+bumper+restorer&um=1&hl=tr&sa=N&tbm=isch&tbnid=XFn0JHlU8NAg-M:&imgrefurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/gr/products.php%3Faction%3Dview%26cat%3D28%26id%3D9&docid=R5hEEu5iZJyIdM&imgurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/photos/products/9_7070%252520BUMPER%252520RESTORER.jpg&w=600&h=1050&ei=laEJULmdLqqN0wWHruHICg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=175&vpy=57&dur=78&hovh=297&hovw=170&tx=89&ty=167&sig=105317347318019298747&page=1&tbnh=148&tbnw=84&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:69&biw=1271&bih=667)
 
ps: use plastic gloves or the next day you will go job with black hands ;D

Could not use that, cem....can't read the instructions ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 20 July 2012, 19:40:54
I use this for clit :y
 
it keeps nearly a year under our sun..
http://www.google.com.tr/imgres?q=arexons+bumper+restorer&um=1&hl=tr&sa=N&tbm=isch&tbnid=XFn0JHlU8NAg-M:&imgrefurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/gr/products.php%3Faction%3Dview%26cat%3D28%26id%3D9&docid=R5hEEu5iZJyIdM&imgurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/photos/products/9_7070%252520BUMPER%252520RESTORER.jpg&w=600&h=1050&ei=laEJULmdLqqN0wWHruHICg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=175&vpy=57&dur=78&hovh=297&hovw=170&tx=89&ty=167&sig=105317347318019298747&page=1&tbnh=148&tbnw=84&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:69&biw=1271&bih=667 (http://www.google.com.tr/imgres?q=arexons+bumper+restorer&um=1&hl=tr&sa=N&tbm=isch&tbnid=XFn0JHlU8NAg-M:&imgrefurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/gr/products.php%3Faction%3Dview%26cat%3D28%26id%3D9&docid=R5hEEu5iZJyIdM&imgurl=http://www.tnf.gr/shop/photos/products/9_7070%252520BUMPER%252520RESTORER.jpg&w=600&h=1050&ei=laEJULmdLqqN0wWHruHICg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=175&vpy=57&dur=78&hovh=297&hovw=170&tx=89&ty=167&sig=105317347318019298747&page=1&tbnh=148&tbnw=84&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:69&biw=1271&bih=667)
 
ps: use plastic gloves or the next day you will go job with black hands ;D

Could not use that, cem....can't read the instructions ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

 ;D ;D ;D
 
just wanted to show the product..  :y
 
 
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: flyer 0712 on 20 July 2012, 20:12:43
well done matey...amazing results  :y
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: tgm147 on 20 July 2012, 20:18:39
I shit you not peanut butter works too because of the oils in it. Cheap too and lasts very well. Put some on a cloth and rub it in to the plastic. Leave it for a few hours then buff it off. Sorted.
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Drewomega on 21 July 2012, 08:38:31
Black shoe polish works wonders as well. Both inside and out :y :y
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Terbs on 21 July 2012, 18:04:42
I shit you not peanut butter works too because of the oils in it. Cheap too and lasts very well. Put some on a cloth and rub it in to the plastic. Leave it for a few hours then buff it off. Sorted.

As I said in OP, I had used the heat gun to bring back to black, but today for a laugh, I did the nearside rear bumper with peanut butter as a top up.......
You could knock me down with a feather, finished it off a treat. :y

Only drawbacks.....keep away from safari parks.....
Never got to do the offside, as the peanut butter on the knife looked so nice, I ate it ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: omega3000 on 21 July 2012, 18:06:47
I shit you not peanut butter works too because of the oils in it. Cheap too and lasts very well. Put some on a cloth and rub it in to the plastic. Leave it for a few hours then buff it off. Sorted.

As I said in OP, I had used the heat gun to bring back to black, but today for a laugh, I did the nearside rear bumper with peanut butter as a top up.......
You could knock me down with a feather, finished it off a treat. :y

Only drawbacks.....keep away from safari parks.....
Never got to do the offside, as the peanut butter on the knife looked so nice, I ate it ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Dont buy pattern peanut butter it false economy  ;D ;D :y
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: D on 21 July 2012, 19:45:53
Yes none of that cheap "value" peanut butter. Go for Tesco's finest only!  ;D
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Vamps on 21 July 2012, 20:56:30
Black shoe polish works wonders as well. Both inside and out :y :y

Yep, I have used this for years, but I like the heat gun idea........ :y :y
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: mantahatch on 22 July 2012, 10:03:01
Judging by how close they where holding the heatgun to the trim in those videos it needs to get pretty warm/hot. Or are they on a low heat setting ? I suppose I am asking wether a hairdryer will do it aswell ?

I used wifes hairdryer to remove a glued on spoiler, worked rather well. I have access to a heat gun but thought it would be to hot.
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Terbs on 22 July 2012, 11:42:16
I used my Black and Decker heat gun, which I use at work for burning off paint :y
Not sure whether a hair dryer would be hot enough

Like anything....if you are not sure, don't do it :y Or practice on a bit of 'safe' trim
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: Omegatoy on 22 July 2012, 20:33:45
LOL all of those are hard work!
best kept secret in the valeting worlkd is a product called

Hi-lite by concept chemicals,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250748612329

 brings plastics back to new as well as rubber and vinyl, it brought our mitsubishi plastics up like new and its 26 years old!!
so good the guys watching me do it all ordered some!! :y
Title: Re: Plastic/vinyl bumpers and trims
Post by: the alarming man on 22 July 2012, 22:50:53
I used my Black and Decker heat gun, which I use at work for burning off paint :y
Not sure whether a hair dryer would be hot enough

Like anything....if you are not sure, don't do it :y Or practice on a bit of 'safe' trim


i can just see it now...someone gives it too much stick and driving around with molten plastic trim...i guess it will be black though lol :y